Where 2 humans are soon about to ruin the mood. Geno however is ready to save the music night.

No one's POV:
-

Everyone freezed and stayed immediately silent as they turned to look at the opening. Geno clenched his fists. 2 humans were standing there, the one was brunet and the other had black hair. They were staring around with sour arrogant expressions that were giving the desire to anyone punch their faces and break their teeth.

"Great. First realising there are mermaids together with ya inside the restaurant. Then humans coming!" The small skeleton thought. Seeing them was making him feel... threatened. He heard Atalanta and a few other monsters from near tables snarling and hissing quietly.

"Tch. Again these 2..." Tefra just murmured with her eyes now be like daggers. Somehow her expression was creepier than the death stares most monsters were giving. In Geno's opinion.

"What do you want gentlemen?" Grillby asked approaching them. It wasn't clear what emotion he had, his face couldn't betray anything, neither his voice that was quiet and chill like usual. However the flames on his head seemed a little bit more... wild and big.

"Why, are we doing something illegal? We thought this place was free to visit!" The one human complained supposedly 'offended'.

"If you're here to cause trouble and ruin the night, turn around and leave now." Grillby said crossing his arms.

"May I ask, who was the smartass that asked the tiefling sing revolutionary songs?" The dark haired man asked.

"Uh oh..." Geno thought. Perhaps he had done something wrong by asking Danarei to sing what he had suggested. Perhaps it was taboo.

"There is nothing wrong hearing a famous bard singing songs like these."

"Oh but it is!" The brunet human said.

"Where is it written? Show me when your King said monsters aren't allowed to sing." Grillby kept handing the situation chilly. "Oh wait, you just really want to get monsters in trouble again in any way possible because you have nothing better to do."

"Yeah, after you sold your mothers just for gold you turned next to the monsters!" The fairy from Danarei's team said.

"For f*ck's sake, WILL YOU STOP SAYING THAT FOR ANY HUMAN?!" The dark haired man yelled, this time not arrogant at all.

"Isn't it true though that you're able to do so?" Danarei decided to join with a challenging smirk.

"Miss Milos, don't challenge them, they're going to have flames on their heads like mine if they get more angered." Grillby mocked calmly making some monsters chuckle. "Oh and then they're going to frame us to the soldiers that we wounded their big precious ego." He added. The brunet was about to say something, really irritated. But he looked away for a moment.

"Whatever! We're just here for the dance part of the night!"

"Go to your own dances and dance with the humans $&!&@^#*"*/!" A mermaid from the skeleton brother guards' table yelled.

"WHAT THE F*CK DID YOU JUST CALL US?!" The dark haired human asked. Yep, he was definitively more irritable than his friend as Geno observed.

"João don't." The brunet stopped him. "So what if we do our tricks to get our way? What if we want to compete with the monsters?" He asked with hands on his hips.

"§hæmələ§§ ₩ørm§..." Geno heard Tefra saying quietly then gulped seeing her exhaling loudly and small fires coming out of her nostrils.

"Specifically, we're here for one monster tonight to compete and see if she accepts the challenge this time." The brunet man continued, smiling now menacingly.

"Meu Deus, pør quê?" Tefra said this time and facepalmed.

"Wait a minute!" Geno thought.

"Tefraaa, where are you?" The brunet asked calmly.

"Again gentlemen? You know she will not dance battle and waste her time with clowns, not this time either." Grillby interfered.

"Why be afraid of clowns if you imply she's better! Oh wait, I get it!" There suddenly the brunet's smile became more menacing and mocking. "There she wasn't able to defend her loved ones years ago, while it seems that it's a much easier thing for her to do than accepting a simple dance battle."

Twass. Geno felt his back sweating in an instant. At the very last moment he saw Tefra staring murderously at the direction of the humans before teleporting.

"¥¤u tæk€ thæt bæ£k!" She yelled furious. Geno felt terrified again and got stuck closer to Alter, who at that moment the smaller wasn't feeling him exactly relaxed and under control but... agitated. Despite the small female seemed so threatening, the humans didn't seem actually more scared than pleased. Perhaps because they had make her appear and piss her off.

"What's wrong Lady Tefra?" João asked mockingly.

"Was it something I said?" The brunet asked then smiling.

"GƏT. ŒUT." Tefra said.

"What are you going to do? Burn us to death? Please, isn't there anything else you can do to intimate us?"

"| §Æ|Đ ØUT!"

"Is this why you hunt the humans with more rage than once, even beat them up badly? Since you couldn't satisfy your urge to get back at us for overthrowing the natural rulers of this world, you try now."

"Oh, haven't you think that you perhaps đə§ərvə it?" Tefra asked a little bit calmer suddenly. "When you think you can get away with your crimes against monsters, you need a reminder that it's not like that. It will not be always like that. So what if we are under human kind's thumb? Don't forget that your King still has the power to banish us or not. And do you want to know why he hasn't done so? Because even he understands why us monsters want a change of our conditions. And it's not his fault, except these high class aristocrats who are 'stroking' his ears with sweet excuses that everything is fine so they can do whatever they want with us the monsters. And then, they encourage you simple humans to do the same with threats and 'inflated' rewards. But not all lies stay hidden and he doesn't always buy every excuse. In the rebellion 4 years ago, we might got exposed that we try to overthrow you and gain our rights, but at least he regretted that he executed the wrong culprits, that he doubted the 3 Aces' genuine goals and displaced the 2. Do you know who should have been displaced or even decapitated? That disgusting man you humans worship more than anyone else, Ræymønđ."

Whispers overwhelmed the restaurant, other filled with wrath and other with surprise. That last phrase Tefra said seemed to catch off guard the 2 humans who looked at her annoyed.

"Don't you dare talk about Lord Raymond like that!" The brunet said.

"Or what? You're going to tell him like the little spoiled children you are?" Tefra mocked but serious and with condemn, raising chin. "Go ahead then, I don't fear that pathetic coward worm. And just like how you said I know nothing but beating up humans, I don't see from your side either much imagination. But you know what, at least I have a real reason to do so, while you are whining in the first difficulty, for the slightest thing and when it's not even serious. You humans are all the same, accusing without real proofs except lies. Raymond and the other human Lords sure taught you simple people well. Talking about him, if you see him tell him that him and his allies might try to break us down, again and again, humiliate us, try to execute us. But he will never take the whole dignity us monsters have. He will never succeed anything with us, not just because after the rebellion Bernard got even more rights to defend us as an apology from your King, but because we are monsters and we are proud of who we are. We might be called monsters as kind, but you say it as if it's an insult. If it's like that though, you humans deserve to be called monsters. Your actions are making you like that." The humans clenched their fists but said nothing. Tefra sighed and kept talking a lot calmer. "Turning back to the first reason why you 2 are here, just because I do not intend dance with you and compete, doesn't mean I'm a coward. I have enough dignity to deny a dance battle if I want and I won't be told by humans what to do. While you should better listen because you're not talking to a common monster guard. Turn your backs and get out, you already did enough to ruin the night and my mood. You can keep playing 'smart', but I'm telling you, my fire is nothing compared with Hell's." She completed with hands on her hips.

"Wow." Alter said quietly, less agitated and also impressed perhaps. Geno could agree. Wow with what Tefra said. But...

Geno's POV:
-

I feel something in me... anger. I clench my fists and teeth. I don't know if I've understand enough and everything from what Tefra said. I still don't know the whole story detailed. But the situation is even worse than I've concluded. Are humans that bad? Seems like there's no bottom, when I thought I figured. Damnit.

The more I stare at the 2 humans, the more I wanna slit their throats. I say it again. For so long I knew nothing. I grew up with my parents for a few years and everything seemed so easy, like a fairytale. No wrongs, no difficulties, nada. Then the life in that village. It was tough life but nothing interesting or extremely difficult was really going on.

No domination, no Lords above my head, not much unfairness. But now I witness this. Why it has to be so unfair for these monsters?! Why?!

"Some 'higher authorities' expect you to even thank them for whatever they 'offer' and if you don't they try to vanish you. And when they push you too far away, they give you some kind of right to get back at them. Your action has some fairness and logic in it, because the other started it first. And so, when the other doesn't give you good conditions and pressure you, when they turn their back at you and you decide you've had enough, you turn against them in any way. That's how most of us decided to enter piracy. It wasn't just the promise of adventure and gold, it's also revenge in that way."

Surprisingly enough, these quite logical in a way and wise -I'll secretly admit- words, I heard them from Dave. Yes, the tiger told me all these when I opened my mouth to become again ironic towards piracy. It must have been the one and only time we didn't end up arguing and fighting after he spoke.

Or because Captain was near and we postponed ripping each other's limbs. Yes, I see it. Monsters here had enough and tried, God only knows, how many times to overthrow the humans. And despite failing they tried again. And from what Tefra said, who knows?

4 years ago monsters might have made it after so many tries if only... that Raymond wasn't doing something. What exactly for Tefra refer to him? How serious? Ugh, I can't! I need to know more, I must after being exposed to such case! If I live to learn about it...

"Very well. We'll leave." The brunet said with condemn and a sour expression, interrupting my thoughts. He turns his back with that João guy but still his head is turned to look at Tefra. "Too bad we couldn't find a worth opponent here. All monsters are completely useless and rough to know how to dance." Hold up, qué dijo justo ahora?! Rough and useless to dance?!

"Sometimes it has dignity deny something you don't wanna do. But I think it gives you even more dignity to prove the other wrong, especially when they think you can't do something you do greatly." Life lesson words I still keep from someone I used to deeply care for... *sigh*. I get up from my seat staring at the 2 humans focused. I ignore Alter's questioning look as he stares at me. I approach the humans.

They want a worth opponent? Oh, now I'll show them!

"¡Oi, humanos idiotas!" I say standing a few steps behind Tefra. The 2 men immediately freeze and turn.

"Who said that?!" João growls. Now all eyes are on me. But without loosing my chill I stomp my foot on the floor. Now I have their attention.

"You want a real worth opponent in a dance fight?! I accept!" I say. Tefra's eyes widen up, same as the humans. Except they start laughing and wheezing then.

"YOU?! A SHORT DUMB GIRL! OH SH*T THAT'S HILARIOUS!" João yells while still wheezing.

"Hah! Can you believe this João?! A little stupid skeleton challenges us, 2 of the best dancers known!"

I exhale from my nose a little loudly. Hold your anger now Geno, you must not show it. They doubt you because they only see how you look. If only they knew what I can do, they would swallow their tongues.

"Let's leave. There's nothing to do here." The brunet says then. Him and João are about to turn their backs and once again leave. But no, I won't let them! With a leap I stand on a table, stomp my foot again and point at the 2 humans while looking at all monsters around.

"Oi pessoal, look!" I start with my poor broken Portuguese. "These 2 who think are better than anyone else are afraid to accept the challenge of the 'little stupid girl'! Looseeers!" I mock them sticking out my tongue. That actually makes some monsters chuckle.

"Eugenia, what are you doing?" Tefra asks me surprised. I ignore her question and just stare at the 2 humans as my comment made them turn to death stare at me.

"Don't challenge us menina. We're going to make you regret it!"

"Oooh, I'm so scared! Come near me first, don't throw me hollow threats!" I say sarcastically. João already seems ready to explode from anger.

"What do you want now? Loose in a dance battle against us! That's what you're asking for!" The brunet says. I shake my head left and right.

"If you're so good at dancing as you brag, why not accept the challenge of the 'poor' 'weak' 'stupid' girl? Why don't we find out? You said you've come to challenge the monsters. And here I am. But how about we make it interesting? Let's put a bet." I say. The humans look at each other for a moment uncertain. But they turn to look again at me.

"We're listening." The brunet says with raised eyebrow. I smile, this is going well.

"We're going to dance battle. I'm going to choose in what style we'll dance. But because I'm really generous, I'll let you choose in which song we're battling! You know dancing in many styles?" I ask raising bonebrow. The 2 humans take proud poses with their chest out and back stretched.

"Of course and we know! We can dance-"

"Brilliant, but I don't care to hear what and how many dance styles you know. Since you know so many dance styles, I guess my bet sounds ok so far, sim?" I ask. The 2 turn to look at each other smiling maliciously. Perfect, they think I'm digging my grave. They don't know they're digging theirs.

"Keep going." João says with an idiotic smile.

"In fact I'm so generous I'll make it even more easy for you. Since I'll battle you both!" I take it further. The humans look to each other surprised. I can't see, but I feel Alter crossing himself from anxiety. "Winner will be whoever makes the other more tired first, making them do mistakes while dancing."

"What do we get if we win, which of course will go like that?" The brunet asks. I snort with his certainty.

"If you win, I'm going to bow down at you, kiss your feet and then let you slap me." I say in one go.

"Non puoi essere serio!" I hear suddenly Alter's voice. I turn and see him getting up. He approaches me, looking at me for what feels like first time after so long, extremely concerned. "Eugenia, you can't let them do this to you! Per favore, get off the table!"

"You still have time quit menina. Your poor papa is worried that his little baby will get sad if she looses!" The brunet says sarcastically, making João laugh like an idiot.

"Guido, I want you to trust me in this one." I whisper closely to Alter. But he still stares at me concerned.

"But... Are you sure you know what you're doing?" He asks. I nod.

"If I didn't even know what I'm doing, I wouldn't challenge them. Just sit back and enjoy." I reassure. He now just seems hesitant a little. But then he holds my hand.

"Just be really cautious my bambina. Something smells fishy with these 2 humans and it's not even the mermaids of the restaurant that causes the smell." He whispers fast. I chuckle.

"I will be cautious. Don't worry... p-papà..." I say looking away pouting. I hear a few monsters near doing Aaaw. Bleh! But seeing the 2 humans I forget shyness and sweet moments. I look around and spot Grillby. "Mr Grillby. I know the program of the night was saying that the dance battles are a lot later, I've read it. But if you don't mind, let me start the first dance of tonight now." I say. For a few seconds he doesn't reply.

"... It might was sudden, but I'll allow this. Hopefully you know what you're doing." He says. I nod.

"Go away for a while, we'll talk later." I whisper to Alter as I turn to look at the humans. I hear him walk away.

"I said what will happen if I loose." I say out loud for the humans to hear me. "Now about you if you loose-."

"Which will never happen." The brunet interrupts me. I roll my eyesocket but then smile.

"Then I suppose you're not afraid that you will have to fall on your knees in front of Lady Tefra, apologise for the behavior you showed, for the words you said to all monsters and for disturbing them if you loose. Which will not happen as you said, no need to worry about it! Oh and also you'll have to scream loudly 3 times, Lord Raymond is a voracious lying pig!" I might not know that guy well, but screw him if monsters seem to hate him more than any other human here!

I hear the monsters whispering to each other impressed or surprised with what I just said. I cross my arms smiling proudly. Especially seeing the 2 humans staring to each other hesitant. João whispers to his friend something but I manage to catch the phrase, "She doesn't seem to bluff..." This is going perfect, they're about to f*ck up!

"Whatever! Your terms won't make us back off, especially to a little girl like you." The brunet says. I jump off the table and stand in front of them.

"Let's then shake hands so we know we both agree to the bet and it's terms in case one of the 2 teams looses." I say and stretch my hand towards the brunet. He stares at my hand and me repeatedly one or 2 more times and finally he gives his hand to me and we shake. Then with João.

"We won't be nice hitting you menina when you loose." João says. I chuckle.

"We'll see about that." I say and turn my back. "I'll give you about 2 minutes choose the music song you want. But from the flamenco category!" I announce.

"Oooh. Flamenco battle." Monsters start whispering again. I return to my table where Pyros and Atalanta stare at me shocked.

"Eugenia, you did NOT just challenge 2 of the best human dancers of Lisbon and perhaps of the whole Portugal! You DID NOT!" The male goat bleats.

"Punk, you're louca! They're going to eat you!" Atalanta panicks too, mixed with disbelief. But I close eyesocket smiling wider.

"I know what I'm doing. Or else I wouldn't challenge them." I say what I said to Alter.

"Eugenia, child." I turn and see Tefra. She's as concerned as Alter a while ago. She sighs. "... If the bet was just because of what they said before, you'd rather not have done that." I guffaw.

"Tefra, the bet wasn't just to get back at them for insulting you only, but all monsters'. They insulted our whole kind. I will battle these fake roosters to make them zip their stupid mouths and know as you said, we are proud of who we are. It's ok if you yourself don't want to battle them. I bet they've asked to battle you, many times as I've understood, because you must be a great dancer." I say.

I'm between believing what I tell her and not. I mean, she's nice, she's going through difficulties, understandable, but she's still a foe. She's suspecting me and Alter. I wonder if the battle I do though makes her trust us more! Who knows. I smile and approach Alter. I feel him flinching as I hug him tightly.

"Guido, wish me luck." I say.

"... Buona fortuna Eugenia." He says slowly and kinda confused perhaps. He has no idea about what I can do. Can't blame him. I haven't tell him. To be honest I wanted to keep it a surprise about how well I can actually dance until a chance appears. And tonight is the chance. I stare at Alter more serious, unwrap my scarf and give it to him.

"Keep it for a while please, ok?" I ask. I'm about to turn and leave.

"Eugenia..." I stop. Tefra is standing next to me. I don't turn to look at her, just wait to hear her. "Be really careful. They are skilful dancers. But if they see you're still dancing and the battle takes too long, they will try to cheat and make you do mistakes. No matter what happens, don't let them corner you..." She whispers. After a few seconds I nod.

I walk towards the humans slowly. I somehow feel really confident, almost arrogant. Me, who wasn't sure how to move and what to do the moment I stepped foot in Lisbon! But in me, there's something that now allows me to handle this situation myself. It's so weird! But I must keep it. I'm gonna show these assholes how monsters can dance!

As long as Tefra was advising me, some monsters had stood up and dragged aside the tables. It's to make space for the dance battle. Nice. I look around me, I count with my eyesocket the borders I have. Then I turn again at the 2 humans with hands on my hips.

"So! Tonight's first dance will be on flamenco. These 2 gentlemen will choose what the musicians will play!" I say loud enough for all monsters to hear. But even if I was talking quieter I would still be heard, because literally NO ONE speaks, they wait in wonder and agony. "Have you decided which flamenco song will play?" I ask the humans. Their smiles turn more vicious, they still think they have me.

"Tiefling, play El Diablo Rojo!" The brunet says. More whispers are heard, this time really worried.

"This song is long and difficult."

"Poor girl."

"Will she stand dancing for so long?"

These are some comments I manage to catch. The humans stare at me still sarcastically.

"Good luck survive dancing until the end of the song against me and Fransisco menina." João says. I say nothing, just stare at them while doing a little warm up before dancing. I inhale and exhale one time deeply in the end.

"May the dancers take their stands and prepare!" Danarei says and starts playing a little dramatic melody, both to make atmosphere and for warm up I guess.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vERn0cRO6M4

I can still hear worried comments around me. But I don't care. I don't fear the song these 2 chose. In fact I know it very well, when and where to save energy.

"Francisco and João huh?" I say out loud, smiling confident while staring at the humans.

"I think I should introduce myself better then. Well, my name is Eugenia..."

I will not fear battle them.

"I'm 16 years old. And..."

I am more than confident I can win this. Because...

(i tried)

"... there's no better dancer than me."

4170 words

welp, peace! *runs away while an army of angry readers hunt me for stopping the narration to the good part* byeee 😂😂😂